Alcohol consumption by medical students

Abstract

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE Excessive alcohol consumption is a global health issue. This article aims to evaluate the consumption of alcohol by medical students in relation to their personal and social aspects. METHODS This study was conducted with students in the first, third, and sixth year of medical school at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in 2019. Students were invited to participate anonymously by responding to a questionnaire with 15 questions regarding student characteristics (gender, age, family income, physical activity, origin, housing condition, and academic performance) and alcohol consumption (onset, reason, occasions of use, type of drink, amount consumed). Data were compared with significance corresponding to p<0.05. RESULTS A sample of 382 students of both sexes responded to the questionnaire. Alcohol consumption was reported by 85% of students. About 70% of first and third-year students and 47% of those of the sixth year were motivated by socializing with peers. Alcohol consumption was prevalent among those who practice physical activities (93%) and live with their families (89%). Around 80% had consumed alcohol before starting medical school, and consumption was more frequent in males. CONCLUSIONS Alcohol consumption begins during high school, stimulated by socialization. Men who practice physical activities and live with their families are the largest consumers.

O consumo de álcool pelos estudantes de medicina, as características e fatores associados: uma revisão sistemática

“…Dentro do escopo de patologias psicossomáticas, a mesma, por conta de todos os hormônios atrelados ao prazer liberados (tais como serotonina e noradrenalina), é um indubitável fator protetor e com o alcoolismo não é diferente. Entretanto, dentre os atletas de alto desempenho, por vezes, a cobrança adicional gerada pela competitividade é posta como um fator causal para o consumo excessivo dessas bebidas 4 .…”

“…Por fim, sabemos que a falta de supervisão dos pais, o aumento da independência, o contato com pessoas da mesma idade e a aceitação social tornam o consumo mais evidente nesse grupo 4 , enquanto que a religião parece ter um efeito protetor ao consumo exagerado de álcool 9 .…”

“…Por conseguinte, o consumo crônico e excessivo também pode revelar um conjunto de sinais e sintomas clínicos e psicológicos, que podem ser neuromusculares (tremores, câimbras ou parestesias), digestivos (náuseas ou vômitos), neurovegetativos (suores, taquicardia ou hipotensão ortostática) e psíquicos (ansiedade, humor depressivo, irritabilidade, insônias ou pesadelos) 4 . Além disso, com o aumento da frequência de consumo, a tolerância ao álcool aumenta gradativamente.…”

Effectiveness evaluation of online Mindfulness in mental health and alcohol consumption in medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…In this respect, people with depression or anxiety comorbidity with alcohol dependency, up to 70% (Pitchot & Dor, 2019). Among medical students, the prevalence of alcohol use is high, ranging between 66% and 97% (Coker, Coker, & Sanni, 2018;Freire, Castro, & Petroianu, 2020). This has been linked to absenteeism, school dropout, learning difficulties, poor academic performance, and other psychiatric disorders (Freire et al, 2020).…”

“…Among medical students, the prevalence of alcohol use is high, ranging between 66% and 97% (Coker, Coker, & Sanni, 2018;Freire, Castro, & Petroianu, 2020). This has been linked to absenteeism, school dropout, learning difficulties, poor academic performance, and other psychiatric disorders (Freire et al, 2020). As well as high rates of unemployment, social conflicts, domestic violence, and legal penalties (Soares, Farias, & Monteiro, 2019;Witkiewitz, Litten, & Leggio, 2019;Nasui et al, 2021).…”